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Northwest · Salta
National ParkLos Cardones
The cactus forest along the Tin Tin straight.
25.17° S · 65.90° O
- Established
- 1996
- Area
- 64,000 ha
- Ecoregion
- High Andes and Monte shrubland
- Gateway
- Cachi
Between the Cuesta del Obispo and Cachi, route 33 crosses a landscape of giant cardón cacti, red gorges and fossil tracks. Entry is free, and it sits right on the way to the Calchaquí Valleys.
Highlights
- The Tin Tin straight, an ancient Inca road among the cacti.
- The Cuesta del Obispo pass and Piedra del Molino at 3,348 m.
- Camping at Yacoraite under one of the clearest skies in the north.
- Continuing to Cachi and the Calchaquí Valleys.
Getting there
By plane
Aeropuerto Internacional Martín Miguel de Güemes, Salta (SLA)
Daily flights from Buenos Aires and Córdoba. Salta is 97 km from the park’s eastern entrance.
By car
RN 68 · RP 33 — 1,650 km from Buenos Aires
From Salta via RN 68 and RP 33: 97 km to Piedra del Molino and 147 km to Payogasta. The road climbs from 1,200 to over 3,000 m up the Cuesta del Obispo.
By bus
Terminal de Salta
Daily buses from Salta to Cachi cross the park on RP 33.
Trails
Difficulty
Duration
Difficulty: EasyModerateHardExpert
Los Guaipos (El Churcal)
2 km from km 83 on RP 33: a loop through churqui forest with a small lagoon, ideal for birding.
- Distance
- 2 km
- Duration
- 2 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Easy
Loop
El Ciénego
A loop with a steep first 200 m, then easy going; chinchillas, foxes and spring–summer flowers.
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Duration
- 0.75 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Easy
Loop
Cerro Malcante
High mountain from 4,046 to 5,220 m, with condors and guanacos. Open 1 April to 30 November; registration and gear mandatory.
Registration required
- Distance
- 6 km
- Duration
- 4 h
- Elevation gain
- 1,154 m
- Difficulty
- Expert
Out and back
Secretos del Cardonal
At km 85 of the Tin Tin straight, among the cacti the park is named after.
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Duration
- 0.3 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Mirador Ojo de Cóndor
A low hill beside RP 33 with panoramic views of the cactus valley.
- Distance
- 0.26 km
- Duration
- 0.4 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Distances, elevation gain and times are approximate and change with the season. Check each trail’s status with the park before setting out.
Where to stay
Inn$$
Cachi
Inns and guesthouses in a colonial adobe village 11 km from Payogasta; the ideal base for the park and the Calchaquí Valleys.
Estancia$$$
Valle Calchaquí
Estates and ranches with high-altitude wineries between Cachi and Molinos.
Campsite$
Camping Yacoraite (dentro del parque)
Free camping at El Churcal with dry toilets and solar charging. No fires: bring a stove.
Before you go
- Entry is free, 9:30 am–6 pm. Best from April to November.
- You climb from 1,200 to over 3,000 m in a few hours: drink water and take it slow.
- After January’s first rains, amancay flowers carpet the Tin Tin straight.
- Watch for spiders and snakes: stay on marked trails.
Plan your journey to Los Cardones
We design private trips at each traveller’s pace: hikes, local guides and carefully chosen stays. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll reply within 48 hours.